“People die while we wait! Tomorrow is too late!” Cries for health care reform rang out as a crowd formed in front of Whole Foods Market on Prospect Street on Friday afternoon. Around 4:30 p.m., a couple dozen people gathered outside the Cambridge market to protest Whole Foods CEO John Mackey’s recent opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, one that they felt opposed health care changes and ultimately, human rights.

Jessica Bal

“People die while we wait! Tomorrow is too late!” Cries for health care reform rang out as a crowd formed in front of Whole Foods Market on Prospect Street on Friday afternoon. Around 4:30 p.m., a couple dozen people gathered outside the Cambridge market to protest Whole Foods CEO John Mackey’s recent opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, one that they felt opposed health care changes and ultimately, human rights.

In the op-ed piece, Mackey responded to Obama’s call for constructive ideas regarding health care reform by outlining his own suggestions for alterations to the system. In contrast to Obama’s interest in government-funded care, Mackey emphasized the development of high-deductible health insurance plans coupled with health savings accounts.

His statement shocked some, who feel that health care is a necessity for all. “He basically said: ‘If you can’t afford health care, then I guess you can’t afford to be healthy,’” said Jake Williams, a member of Massachusetts Jobs with Justice, which organized the protest.

Mackey stated that it would be unwise to pursue a system that would increase government spending and control, as this would simply create more deficits. Instead, Mackey favors reforms that allow for more individual choice and responsibility. “A careful reading of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution will not reveal any intrinsic right to health care, food or shelter,” Mackey wrote in the letter. “That’s because there isn’t any. This ‘right’ has never existed in America.”

“The majority of Americans are struggling, and we need a public option,” said Jennifer Doe, another organizer with Mass Jobs for Justice. “The Whole Foods insurance system is not available and affordable for everyone. Whole Foods can afford that system because they charge an exorbitant amount for people to shop there.”

Much of the surprise regarding Mackey’s statements stems from the company’s otherwise liberal reputation and commitment to organics, local agriculture, and fighting poverty with their Whole Planet Foundation. “The store has strong values in their approach to nutrition and social responsibility and the environment, but this is just inconsistent,” said Robert Gaw, 58, of Sudbury. “This is a ‘what’s in it for me’ approach to health care.”

Robin Rehfield, a spokesperson at Whole Foods, stood by to answer customer questions and address concerns. “John Mackey is not opposed to health care reform,” said Rehfield. “He was asked to write an op-ed piece, and he did just that. He gave his opinion. We respect that everyone has opinions and they have the right to voice them.”

Rehfield echoed Mackey’s own response to the op-ed reactions, which he posted to his blog on the Whole Foods Web site. According to Mackey’s blog, the title of the piece was changed by Wall Street Journal staff from “Health Care Reform” to “Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare,” giving the impression that Mackey is actively opposing the President’s plan. While protesters like 21-year-old Jordan McLaughlin of Jamaica Plain called for a retraction and said, “[Mackey’s] attacks on Obama’s plan are based on lies,” the CEO asserted that he “did not mention the president at all in this piece.”

Despite reminders that Mackey’s statements are personal opinion rather than an official company position on health care reform, many have decided to boycott the market, including several of Friday’s protesters. “When you shop at Whole Foods, you are giving money to the causes that the CEO supports,” said Jeremy Sher, 32, of the South End. “People should put their money where their heart is.”

Anna Knaap, a Cambridge resident originally from the Netherlands, stopped to see what all the buzz was about as she wheeled her Whole Foods purchases to her car on Friday afternoon. “It’s a shame that emotions flare up so much here regarding the healthcare issue,” Knaap said. “For us [in the Netherlands] it seems so boring and calm in comparison. I think the majority of Americans would benefit from universal health care.” The Dutch system utilizes competing private insurers and requires universal coverage, with subsidies that guarantee affordable care for all.

As cars outside of Whole Foods honked in support, James Murphy, 28, of Jamaica Plain spent his day off from work waving a sign and joining the chants for reform.

“More people need to give thought to the public option for health care and be more vocally supportive so that no one is left out in the cold,” said Murphy. “It’s not a cost thing, it’s a human rights issue.”

Wicked Local Cambridge

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